America’s Second Lady Usha Vance stepped onto the international stage alone for the first time at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy, while her husband managed parenting duties back home.
At a Glance
- Usha Vance made her first official solo appearance as Second Lady at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy
- She led the Presidential Delegation and brought her oldest son, Ewan, along for the experience
- JD Vance stayed home on “daddy duty” with their daughter while his wife represented America abroad
- Despite some social media criticism, reports indicate Vance received a warm welcome at the event
- Speculation grows about Usha Vance’s future role as she assembles her team at the Naval Observatory
Representing America at the Special Olympics
Usha Vance has officially entered the international diplomatic arena with her first solo venture as America’s Second Lady. While her husband Vice President JD Vance remained stateside handling parental responsibilities with their daughter, Mrs. Vance traveled to Turin, Italy to attend the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Winter Games. The high-profile appearance marked a significant milestone in her new role, demonstrating the administration’s support for an event celebrating athletes with intellectual disabilities from around the world. Her decision to bring along her oldest son Ewan added a personal touch to the official visit.
Second Lady Usha Vance representing the USA at the Special Olympics Games. 😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/Le5uDIsGhj
— SCRIBEMOON (@SCRIBEMOON) March 11, 2025
The Second Lady didn’t travel alone, joining a distinguished Presidential Delegation that included Fox News contributor Rachel Campos-Duffy, State Department officials Riley M. Barnes and Trent Michael Morse, Diplomatic representatives Shawn Crowley and Douglass Benning, along with Trump administration veterans Boris Epshteyn and Richard Walters. The composition of the delegation reflected the bipartisan nature of America’s support for the Special Olympics movement while establishing Usha Vance’s role as a diplomatic representative of the administration.
Warm Reception Amidst Social Media Criticism
Reports from the ground in Turin contrast sharply with some of the online reaction to Mrs. Vance’s appearance. While the crowd at the Inalpi Arena reportedly welcomed the Second Lady with enthusiasm and warmth, certain corners of social media responded with predictable partisan attacks. Some commenters used the occasion to revive political talking points rather than acknowledging the bipartisan nature of supporting Special Olympics athletes. The stark difference between the in-person reception and online commentary highlights the increasingly disconnected nature of digital discourse from real-world interactions.
“I am honored to have attended the Special Olympics Winter Games this weekend and to have led the Presidential delegation. Hearing from these inspirational athletes about their journeys and dedication to their events was uplifting. Thank you @specialolympics for fostering a community of leaders, and for such a warm welcome. Go Team USA!” – Usha Vance
In a particularly bizarre twist, a Daily Beast article attempted to frame the opening ceremony itself as being designed to “troll” Mrs. Vance – a characterization that even partisan observers found to be an extreme stretch. The Special Olympics have long enjoyed support across the political spectrum, making the attempt to inject divisive politics into the event seem particularly inappropriate. Meanwhile, Usha Vance herself focused her public comments exclusively on praising the dedication and achievements of the athletes participating in the games.
Building Her Role in the Administration
As Usha Vance takes her first steps in establishing her public presence as Second Lady, questions remain about what initiatives she may champion during her husband’s term. Sources indicate she is currently in the process of assembling her team and transitioning her family to life at the Naval Observatory, the official residence of the Vice President. With her background as a successful attorney, Mrs. Vance brings substantial professional credentials to her new role that could inform her choice of focus areas going forward.
The Turin trip showcased a balance between her official responsibilities and family life, bringing her son along for the international experience while her husband managed parenting duties at home. This approach suggests the Vances may continue prioritizing family involvement even as they take on their new roles in public service. As the administration settles in, observers will be watching to see which causes America’s first Indian-American Second Lady chooses to highlight and what unique perspective she brings to the position.
